Postcards from India

Tirthan Valley: Bahu, Jibhi, Banjar & Chehni Kothi

Bahu, Jibhi, Banjar and Chehni in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh, are some of the prettiest places we've visited. Though it was cloudy and drizzling intermittently for the better part of the day, the sun kept floating in and out of the clouds, which allowed me to capture some pictures with mood and drama in them. In the evening, by the time we reached Chehni, the sky was clear and the sun had begun its descent - casting a soft golden light on the scenes. As is always the case in the Himalayas, we met some wonderful, friendly locals who shared their stories and warmth with us. All the photographs in this gallery were captured on 16th April, 2018.

Chehni Kothi (on the right) and Dev Bhandar (left). Chehni Kothi, a tower temple cum fort, is believed to be 1500 years old and is built entirely of stone and wood in the traditional Himachali Kath-Kuni architectural style. It was originally 15 storeys tall. An earthquake in 1905, however, destroyed its top five floors. Chehni Kothi is considered the tallest heritage structure in Himachal Pradesh. According to locals, the twin towers are residences of Gods and are stocked with ancient treasure. Consequently, they don't permit entry of outsiders inside either of the two towers.

Glimpse of Chehni Kothi (on the right) and Dev Bhandar (left) while traversing an orchard. Chehni Kothi, a tower temple cum fort, is believed to be 1500 years old and is built entirely of stone and wood in the traditional Himachali Kath-Kuni architectural style. It was originally 15 storeys tall. An earthquake in 1905, however, destroyed its top five floors. Chehni Kothi is considered the tallest heritage structure in Himachal Pradesh. According to locals, the twin towers are residences of Gods and are stocked with ancient treasure. Consequently, they don't permit entry of outsiders inside either of the two towers.

Glimpse of Chehni Kothi (on the right) and Dev Bhandar (left) while traversing an orchard. Chehni Kothi, a tower temple cum fort, is believed to be 1500 years old and is built entirely of stone and wood in the traditional Himachali Kath-Kuni architectural style. It was originally 15 storeys tall. An earthquake in 1905, however, destroyed its top five floors. Chehni Kothi is considered the tallest heritage structure in Himachal Pradesh. According to locals, the twin towers are residences of Gods and are stocked with ancient treasure. Consequently, they don't permit entry of outsiders inside either of the two towers.

Chehni Kothi (on the right) and Dev Bhandar (left). The place dazzles in a riot of colours in the soft evening light. Chehni Kothi, a tower temple cum fort, is believed to be 1500 years old and is built entirely of stone and wood in the traditional Himachali Kath-Kuni architectural style. It was originally 15 storeys tall. An earthquake in 1905, however, destroyed its top five floors. Chehni Kothi is considered the tallest heritage structure in Himachal Pradesh. According to locals, the twin towers are residences of Gods and are stocked with ancient treasure. Consequently, they don't permit entry of outsiders inside either of the two towers.

We are getting closer. Chehni Kothi (on the right) and Dev Bhandar (left). Chehni Kothi, a tower temple cum fort, is believed to be 1500 years old and is built entirely of stone and wood in the traditional Himachali Kath-Kuni architectural style. It was originally 15 storeys tall. An earthquake in 1905, however, destroyed its top five floors. Chehni Kothi is considered the tallest heritage structure in Himachal Pradesh. According to locals, the twin towers are residences of Gods and are stocked with ancient treasure. Consequently, they don't permit entry of outsiders inside either of the two towers.

The final lap. Chehni Kothi (on the right) and Dev Bhandar (left) while traversing through an orchard. Chehni Kothi, a tower temple cum fort, is believed to be 1500 years old and is built entirely of stone and wood in the traditional Himachali Kath-Kuni architectural style. It was originally 15 storeys tall. An earthquake in 1905, however, destroyed its top five floors. Chehni Kothi is considered the tallest heritage structure in Himachal Pradesh. According to locals, the twin towers are residences of Gods and are stocked with ancient treasure. Consequently, they don't permit entry of outsiders inside either of the two towers.